UN Reports Rising Civilian Toll and Infrastructure Damage Across Middle East

The United Nations reported on Tuesday that the return of widespread hostilities across the Middle East, coupled with continuing violence in Gaza and Lebanon, is increasing civilian casualties and infrastructure damage. In Iran, local sources reported a series of attacks in at least six provinces that killed dozens and injured hundreds. A desalination facility in Hormozgan Province was struck on Sunday, cutting off drinking water to 20 villages and affecting approximately 10,000 people. Local sources also reported an attack late last week impacting a drinking water production facility in Dehloran, Ilam Province, while secondary damage from an airstrike was reported at a children’s cancer hospital in Ahvaz, Khuzestan Province. In Kuwait, local authorities reported a series of attacks targeting electricity and water infrastructure over the past four days. In Gaza, OCHA reported that artillery shelling, gunfire, bombings, and airstrikes continue to threaten civilian safety. Several people were reported killed and injured in recent days. On Friday, seven people were reportedly killed and others injured by an Israeli drone strike outside a grocery shop west of the Nuseirat refugee camp, coinciding with mourners finishing funeral prayers nearby when the area was crowded. A teacher was reportedly shot by Israeli forces on Wednesday while teaching inside a temporary learning space west of Khan Younis. OCHA stated that its partners have reported 26 education-related incidents since the start of the year, including shootings, airstrikes, and other security incidents affecting schools, temporary learning spaces, students, teachers, and education personnel. Despite the volatile security situation and severe operational constraints, partners continue working to restore and expand access to basic education as much as possible after more than two years of prolonged learning disruption. In Lebanon, OCHA said continuing violence is hindering the safe return of displaced families to their homes. Many displaced families are still unable to return safely due to ongoing attacks, with more than 400,000 people still displaced across the country, including around 30,000 living in collective shelters. During recent visits to collective shelters, families described deteriorating living conditions, reduced access to water and sanitation services, and limited income opportunities. OCHA stated that humanitarian assistance must be sustained and conducive conditions created for displaced families to return home safely, voluntarily, and with dignity.